The Policy & Practice of Climate Change & Water

Water Events at COP21COP21 is a huge event, bringing together over 40,000 participants and spanning 12 days. This page will help to focus on some of the most important water related events taking place over the course of the CoP.

Background on COP21In 2015, France will be hosting and presiding the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21/CMP11), otherwise known as “Paris 2015” from November 30th to December 11th. COP21 will be a crucial conference, as it needs to achieve a new international agreement on the climate, applicable to all countries, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C. You can find out more about the event at http://www.cop21.gouv.fr/en.

Events (click to see each day's events)*Please make note of each event's venue and restrictions as some require accreditation to attend**To see a condensed spreadsheet of the events, click here.

Tuesday, 1 December

Water, Megacities and Global Change"Water, Megacities and Global Changes" is the first international conference devoted to the theme of water in megacities. The conference will bring together researchers, water service providers for large cities, politicians and representatives of leading civil society organizations, to take stock of current knowledge, share innovative experiences and discuss the variety of approaches for the management and the role of water in existing and emerging megacities. The conference will strive to provide the starting point of a new cooperation network between these megacities in the field of water.

When: Tuesday-Friday, 1-4 DecemberWhere: UNESCO Headquarters - Paris, FranceRegistration: Click here for fees and registration formsHost: ARCEAU-IdFCo-Hosts: UNESCO-IHP, the French Academy of Water, and the International Office for WaterRestrictions: Open to those that register for conference (distinct from COP21 registration)

The aquatic biodiversity: a witness for climate changeIn this session, aquatic biodiversity is seen as a tracer of the effects of climate change on aquatic environments: fish, in particular, show the effects of different types of pressures related to human activities (hydro-morphological alterations, pollution ...) and are also witnesses of climate change.

Monitoring the impacts of climate change on aquatic environments demands not only to follow protected environments (such as high altitude mountain lakes) and establish specific technologies, but also to implement experimental areas such as small-size artificial ecosystems.

Climate Crisis in the Sahel: Think Locally, Act GloballyCountries in the Sahel region are among the most vulnerable and least resilient to climate change in the world. This round table session brings together representatives from the Sahel region, the world of research, the development sector and financial partners to: refocus discussions on climate change, identify the most appropriate adaptation strategies, discuss support needs, and launch a multi-stakeholder support initiative.

Adaptation to climate change in the basins of rivers, lakes and aquifersThis event is designed to serve as the launch for the “Paris Pact on water and adaptation to climate change in the basins of rivers, lakes, and aquifers.” The Paris Pact is an agreement between representatives of governments, international organizations, donors, national and transboundary basin organizations of rivers, lakes or aquifers, and local authorities of civil society and companies. These representatives support the integration of water into the Climate Change Action Agenda.

Water segment of the Resilience Day of the Lima-Paris Action Agenda (LPAA) on climate changeAs part of the Lima-Paris Action Plan ("Action Agenda"), Peru, supported by France, is preparing a day on the theme of resilience. This includes a half-day for action on Water and Adaptation to Climate Change, which would be deal with:• a scientific analysis of the situation highlighting the urgency to address water and climate issues and major challenges / mainly affected areas;• a time for commitment on the four components of the half-day with a high-level representation (basin agencies, mayors of large cities, donors, youth);• a political endorsement of the commitments.

When: Wednesday, 2 December; 10:00-13:00Where: The Paris-Le Bourget Conference Center (Blue Zone); Observer Room 12Co-Hosts: Peruvian Ministry of Environment, with the support of the French Ministry of EnvironmentRestrictions: Only accessible to accredited persons at COP21

Climate is Water: Solutions for the futureAGWA (the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation) is organizing a half-day event at the site of Le Bourget on 2nd December in Paris within the Civil Society Zone. The event, entitled “Climate is Water: Solutions for the future”, will bring together a range of international speakers from different organizations and sectors to share their experience for managing, adapting and mitigating water within a changing climate. The venue has 500-person capacity. Throughout the event there will be several interactive sessions within the room.

Confirmed speakers include Arup, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, EDF, European Investment Bank, Global Water Partnership, International Water Association, International Union for Conservation of Nature, UNESCO, UNFCCC and the Word Water Council. View the event's leaflet here for a full list of speakers and details.

Water and Climate DayThe UNESCO International Hydrological Program Pavilion has a full day of events planned in honor of Water and Climate Day on 2 December. The events, which are all open to the public, cover a broad range of topics related to water. Throughout the day there will be panels, videos, workshops, and capacity building from UNESCO-IHP members with support from other organizations such as the World Water Council, International Council for Science, OECD, and many more.

Please see the schedule below for specific sessions and times.

11:00-12:00 | Launching of the Book “Water, People and Cooperation – 50 years of water programmes for sustainable development at UNESCO” and High-Level Panel

12:05-12:50 | Water, People and Cooperation: regional perspectives in a context of climate change” Perspectives from the UNESCO Water Family

12:55-13:40 | Workshop on Groundwater and Climate Change. Presentation of the UNESCO-IHP GRAPHIC

Groundwater in the Sahara and Sahel: An important resource in adapting to climate changeCountries in the Sahara Desert and Sahel region are among the most vulnerable and least resilient to climate change in the world. This event will focus on the critical issue of groundwater in these areas, which can help to serve as a means of adapting to climate change.

Energy and Water: Two complementary vectors of development and adaptation to climate changeThis session of COP21 will focus on the energy-water nexus. The energy sector has strong implications on water and vice versa. In this session, speakers will examine the nexus as an opportunity for climate adaptation.

The Water Sector in Morocco and Climate Change AdaptationThis event, hosted by the Moroccan Ministry of Water, will address the unique challenges faced by Morocco due to climate change. Speakers will also take time to outline some of the steps taken in the country to adapt to a changing climate.

Facing water stresses in francophone countriesFrancophone countries are preparing strategies taking resource management and capacity building into account. How much progress has been made about adaptation strategies? What are the difficulties and needs at stake to respond to these modern challenges? These questions, and more, will be answered during this public session. Confirmed participants include: Annick Girardin, State Secretary for Development and Francophony of France, Agence française de développement (AFD), Aquasure, Eau Vive, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Office franco-québécois de la Jeunesse (OFQJ), Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS), Ps-Eau, Solidarités International.

How key water players in France respond to climate changeWater is the first resource impacted by climate change. Consequences will be felt on food supply, access to drinking water and sanitation, energy. This event will bring together key water players to display their solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Confirmed participants include: Xavier Sticker, Ambassador for the Environment of the ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France, Shaddad Attill, Minister and Palestinian Chief Negotiator in charge of Water and Environment, Coalition Eau, Eau de Paris and Paris City, Electricité de France (EDF), French National Agency for Water and Aquatic Environments (ONEMA), French Water Partnership (FWP), SUEZ, Syndicat interdépartemental pour l’assainissement de l’agglomération parisienne (SIAAP), Veolia, Water Agency of Adour Garonne

#ClimateIsWater Press EventThe international water community is joining forces to elevate the recognition for water within the climate change discussions during this COP21 and during upcoming international events on climate change, through an initiative coined #ClimateIsWater. The live webcast of the event can be found here - http://unfccc6.meta-fusion.com/cop21/.

The media are invited to be a part of those discussions during an event organized on the occasion of the “Resilience Day” at the Paris Le Bourget site on December 2nd.

Water Solutions for Urban Development and Climate ResilienceThe purpose of the gathering is to bring together private sector and water community to identify solutions for water management in urban environments for the support of climate resilient actions. Questions will include how cities can better capitalize on existing ecosystem services within the city boundaries, what investments are needed and which co-benefits can be derived for public and private actors.

The gathering will be an informal meeting with a couple of initial presentations of good examples followed by an interactive session seeking to identify innovative solutions based on existing knowledge, to support national adaptation and mitigation planning.

Facing severe droughts linked to climate changeMore frequent and severe droughts are bound to occur with climate change, challenging the populations at risk. Assessments on hydrologic droughts remain rare but solutions exist to save water and strengthen the resilience of the population. This event will focus on the problems and solutions surrounding the increasing number of droughts worldwide. Confirmed participants include: Electricité de France (EDF), French Association for Natural Disaster Reduction (AFPCN), Secours Islamique France, Ministry in charge of Water of Morocco Global Water Partnership (GWP), Sahara and Sahel Observatory, SHF/AFEID/Académie de l’eau/UISF.

Adaptive Planning and Development for Urbanizing Deltas: Emerging communities of knowledge and practiceThis open session will bring together a number of international organisations that jointly strive towards enabling delta life, in a practice of sharing knowledge and experiences on various common topics which they will highlight in the session. Such knowledge oriented organisations and network communities are instrumental to facilitate political processes under the global agendas of climate change, disaster risk reduction, sustainable livelihoods and the SDGs. Among others, the Delta Coalition of low lying countries, initiated by Japan, Netherlands and Colombia, is furthering delta relevant political issues under these international agendas.

Water at the heart of climate change: helping people adapt, the power of local solutions This session will be in French with no translation services available. During this event, speakers will emphasis the benefits of utilizing local knowledge as a means of adapting to climate change.

Private Sector Actions on Water Solutions for Climate ResilienceIn addition to the formal COP 21 decisions, countries and different actors need to put forward initiatives about how to integrate water and climate in policy, practice and funding at all levels. These actions will provide great potential benefits and should be seen as an opportunity – not a cost. Leading such initiatives and making early investments in solutions of the future will help provide a competitive advantage to those willing to focus on solutions rather than challenges.

This event aims at presenting how private sector initiatives could contribute to water wise climate mitigation and adaptation actions. Speakers will be invited to share their solutions in an interactive discussion led by a moderator.

Adaptation to climate change in the basins of rivers, lakes and aquifersThis event is designed to serve as the launch for the “Paris Pact on water and adaptation to climate change in the basins of rivers, lakes, and aquifers.” The Paris Pact is an agreement between representatives of governments, international organizations, donors, national and transboundary basin organizations of rivers, lakes or aquifers, and local authorities of civil society and companies. These representatives support the integration of water into the Climate Change Action Agenda.

Scoping Session – Assessing the Major Challenges facing River BasinsThis event is will bring together experts and participants to discuss the major challenges facing river basins across the world. A variety of issues and solutions will be examined.

Sustainable cities and climate change - French achievements at international level This event will be in French with no translation. During this event, speakers will discuss the achievements in France using examples of sustainable cities. These examples will provide guidance for scaling up to an international level.

Natural Infrastructure Solutions for AdaptationThe aim of this event is to raise awareness to the role of natural infrastructure as both an adaptation and mitigation solution. The event will include an opening presentation on natural infrastructure using different examples and experiences. This will be followed by a presentation of the multi-partner project WISE-UP to Climate supported by the International Climate Initiative of the German Government.

Following the presentations a Panel will discuss the challenges to scale natural infrastructure solutions as they relate to adaptation and mitigation, and generate suggestions to mobilise action in support of INDC mobilisation. The majority of INDCs identify water management as both a key challenge and response for adaptation to climate change.

Key messages from the event will focus on: • The impacts of climate change are most often felt through changes in water• Water is a connector, not a sector, and it offers solutions • Failure to address the relationship between water and climate puts our future in jeopardy

The event will make use of a review of all INDCs by the French Water Partnership.

Defining water resilient actions to climate changeWater is part of 90% of adaptation actions. The water international community offers to share its experience & know-how in adaptations strategies using water, in this debate involving international development players, international finance organizations, governments from developing countries and associations.

Mediterranean Platform on Water KnowledgeThe Mediterranean Water Knowledge Platform aims to strengthen the capacities of Mediterranean basin countries to produce valuable data on the status of water resources and their uses to optimize planning and water management in the context of climate change.

Water & Climate: it’s a clear matchHow is climate change impacting water in our everyday life? Natural disasters, water quality, biodiversity are all affected by climate change. During this event the speakers will review the impacts of climate change and water on populations throughout the world. Confirmed participants will include French Scientific and Technical Association for Water and Environment (ASTEE) and La Vigie de l'Eau.

Making a splash for SDGs and climate goals: Integrated water resource management and landscape approachesThis event will focus on sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the importance of including water. Speakers will explain how integrated water resource management and landscape approaches provide a path towards effective and robust SDGs going forward.

When: Saturday, 5 December; 17:15-18:45Where: The Paris-Le Bourget Conference Center (Blue Zone);Nordic PavilionCo-Hosts: SIWI, Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)Restrictions: Only accessible to accredited persons at COP21

Monday, 7 December

Protecting cities from floodsRapid urbanization increases the vulnerability of cities to flooding. Because of climate change, floods will become more frequent and more violent; how are cities and water managers preparing to face climate change? How will they protect the populations? This event will examine the various threats manifested from increased flooding due to climate change. Confirmed speakers include: Agence française de développement (AFD), Water Agency Seine Normandie, EPTB Seine Grands Lacs, Communauté d'Agglomération Seine-Amont and project management (Agence JAM, Mageo), French National Agency for Water and Aquatic Environments (ONEMA), and Veolia.

The pivotal role of water in climate change adaptation and mitigationThe event aims to raise awareness on the centrality of water for climate change adaptation and mitigation and the role the United Nations system can play in assisting countries in this regard. It will demonstrate good practices of how to adapt water management and water services to climate change.

Water in tomorrow's citiesUrban population is growing, increasing pressure on our resources. In this context, how can cities face the impacts of climate change? Speakers at this event will examine the issues surrounding increased urbanization and rising populations, with connections to water resources for cities in the future. This will include: Bernard Barraqué, Eau de Paris and Paris City, Groupe Eaux de Marseille, International Office for Water, International water resources association (IWRA), SUEZ, and Syndicat interdépartemental pour l’assainissement de l’Agglomération parisienne (SIAAP).

Water – A Stabilizing Factor for Populations Facing Climate ChangeThis event will take place outside the Le Bourget site at the Pavilion of Water in Paris (see address below). During this event, organizers will discuss the ways that water can help stabilize populations even in the face of a changing climate.

Sustaining the World’s Food-Producing River BasinsMajor river basins across the globe and their food production capacity are being impacted by climate change. If the world is going to feed 9.6 billion people by 2050, then river basins must produce more food in thirty-five years than has been produced in the last ten thousand. Climate change presents one of the greatest threats to meeting the world’s near-term food demand.

Therefore, mayors of the Mississippi River (within the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Program, Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands, the International Society for River Science, ecoAmerica and the International Network of Basin Organizations are conducting global river talks with representatives from food-producing river basins to begin an international river sustainability agreement to maintain the world’s food security in the face of climate change. The talks will take place throughout the COP with results being announced December 8, 5:45pm inside the U.S. Center.

Håll-Bar: Implementing the Paris agenda; The waterway forwardWater underpins all development aspects and is a key building block for prosperity. But climate change triggered water hazards generate key risks to human beings, the economy and ecosystems. The capacity to secure access to water and to protect about risks of too much, too little or too polluted water is therefore necessary for a successful implementation of the Paris agenda and for sustainable growth. The session is expected to showcase the role of water in the forefront of climate change mitigation and adaptation negotiations.

We invite you to listen to different perspectives of how to effectively take integrated climate and water action. Meet experts and laymen alike and discuss, learn and share your thoughts on the way towards our common future.

Water and climate: how to fight against climate changemaking the water to landThis event outlines the methods of combating climate change as it applies to water scarcity, desertification, and related issues.

The roundtable discussion will examine the implications of COP 21 as well as the actions that policy makers and the private sector are taking, and need to take, to facilitate and support a green bond market that matures with integrity.

Preserving and restoring aquatic environments: a guarantee for our futureThis intervention deals with the preservation and restoration of aquatic environments as tools that contribute to climate change adaptation. Rivers are now threatened by Man which compromises the services they offer (filtration, flood expansion area ...)? To restore them is to act in favor of biodiversity and allow it to adapt to climate change.

Preparing for and adapting to new climate realities will be one of the defining challenges of the 21st Century. Recognizing the considerable environmental, social, and economic value at stake due to worsening water stress and climate change, the private sector - through the Business Alliance for Water and Climate Change (BAfW) - is calling for:

Water challenges to be integrated into the global climate policy and financing architecture, and

Businesses to commit to take meaningful action to address water and climate challenges.

BAfW will provide direct input into Resilience Day, held on December 2nd as part of the French and Peruvian governments' Lima-Paris Action Agenda during COP21. The BAfW Declaration is a call to action and an executive leadership commitment from companies around the world to address urgent sustainable development challenges related to water and climate. It is available to view and/or sign at https://wateractionhub.org/cop21-declaration/.

AGWA's Key Messages for COP21 - ClimateIsWater

• Impact from climate change on humans, society and the environment takes place through changes in the water cycle, increasing water hazards and affecting water variability and availability • Water resilience is critical for successful climate change mitigation, as many efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions depend on reliable access to water resources • Successfully addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation demands sustainable water resources management and resilient water infrastructure • A significant economic opportunity is found in investing in water resilience and cross sectorial adaptation solutions • Because freshwater resilience is key for successfully addressing climate change, freshwater needs to be addressed and integrated into the global climate policy and financing architecture. • Building on water and climate related SDGs, the COP21/Paris agreement should facilitate policy implementation including monitoring of indicators.• Water is not a sector – It is a “connector” underpinning all parts of the society Working together, public and private sectors, scientists, practitioners and policymakers are key to building water resilient and secure societies • In shared water basins, transboundary cooperation enables more efficient and effective adaptation, by pooling available data, models, scenarios and resources and enlarging the planning space for locating adaptation measures.